Trucking news and briefs for Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024:
DAT acquires Trucker Tools
DAT Freight & Analytics has acquired the operations of Trucker Tools LLC, a provider of load visibility, automated booking, digital freight matching, and carrier engagement services.
The acquisition will expand DAT’s ability to provide real-time GPS tracking and load optimization on the DAT One load board platform, the company said.
“Real-time load tracking and digital freight matching are among the most dynamic technologies in our industry today and part of an important evolution in how truckload freight transactions are conducted,” said Jeff Clementz, Chief Executive Officer, DAT. “Tracking and visibility have become critical needs for all of our customers, and we couldn’t be more excited to deliver best-in-class solutions to them with Trucker Tools’ capabilities.”
Trucker Tools provides real-time visibility for more than 750 freight brokers and accelerates load tendering, rate negotiation, load booking, and digital document management through its Smart Load Board. Its popular Trucker Tools app helps 350,000 owner-operators, carriers, and drivers find and book loads on the spot market and manage replies to their offers and bids.
“This is a tremendous opportunity for Trucker Tools to grow and benefit from the resources, expertise, and market reach of DAT,” said Kary Jablonski, CEO of Trucker Tools. “By joining DAT, we’re better positioned to shape the future of our industry while unlocking new opportunities for customers, employees, and partners.”
DAT acquired Trucker Tools from ASG, a portfolio company of Alpine Investors. Trucker Tools will operate under its current leadership, with Jablonski joining the DAT executive team.
[Related: What consolidations among tech providers mean for their trucking customers]
Army veteran wins new Kenworth in Transition Trucking program
U.S. Army veteran Cory Troxell of Stevens Transport was awarded a new Kenworth T680 in the Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence award program.Jonathan Ernst, U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Cory Troxell, a U.S. Army veteran truck driver for Stevens Transport (CCJ Top 250, No. 52), was named the winner of this year’s Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence award, receiving the keys to a new Kenworth T680.
For the ninth consecutive year, Kenworth teamed with Fastport and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes program to find America’s top rookie military veteran who made the successful transition into a civilian truck driving career.
Troxell was born into service with his grandfather, father and uncle serving with distinguished careers in the Army. Motivated by a strong sense of family pride, service and patriotism following 9/11, Troxell enlisted in the Army in 2004.
In 2009, he was severely wounded in an enemy IED attack, eventually earning him the Purple Heart. He continued to serve until his retirement in 2024. Drawing similarities to his decision to join the Army, he chose to drive trucks, a career path already cut by his family.
To help him continue in the trucking profession, Troxell was awarded the Kenworth T680, equipped with a 76-inch sleeper and the Paccar Powertrain featuring the Paccar MX-13 engine, Paccar TX-12 automated transmission and Paccar DX-40 tandem rear axles.
“I honestly thought after coming out of the military that you fade away,” Troxell said. “No one thinks about you anymore; you’re done. But this is proof that’s not true. Thank you for giving me this opportunity and for actually doing something for veterans that I didn’t think was possible.”
Troxell was presented the keys to the T680 at a recent event in Washington, D.C. Shown from left are: Brianna Potthast, Kenworth on-highway marketing manager; Cory Troxell, Transition Trucking winner; and Cara Howes, Kenworth assistant director of marketing.Jonathan Ernst, U.S. Chamber of Commerce
The rig features a Diamond VIT interior in slate gray with madrona accents and includes the latest in driver amenities. Both the driver and passenger seats are GT703 leather seats that are fully heated and cooled. The sleeper includes space for a microwave and TV, a factory-installed fridge, and a rotating work table. The truck also Kenworth's Digital Mirrors, Bendix Fusion Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Stop and Auto Go, and Lane Keeping Assist with Torque Assisted Steering.
“It was a privilege to hand over the keys to the Kenworth T680 to a veteran who exemplifies commitment and courage,” said said Cara Howes, Kenworth assistant director of marketing. “On behalf of Kenworth and our dedicated employees, we extend our gratitude for his service to our nation and our best wishes for a prosperous future in the trucking industry,”
Under the Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence program, all finalists participated in an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C., where their military service was honored. The first runner-up, Douglas Couch/U.S. Navy/Roehl Transport (No. 60), was awarded a $10,000 prize, and finalists Billy Taylor/U.S. Coast Guard/Werner Enterprises (No. 14) and Shawn Haley/U.S. Marine Corps/Veriha Trucking received $5,000 each.
Pitt Ohio nears 100K electric miles in fleet
Pitt Ohio (CCJ Top 250, No. 45), announced this week it is on the brink of achieving a significant milestone – 100,000 all-time electric miles driven. This achievement underscores the company's steadfast commitment to sustainability and innovation in the transportation industry, the company said.
“Reaching 100,000 electric miles is a testament to our pursuit of eco-friendly solutions and our dedication to reducing our carbon footprint,” said Taki Darakos, Vice President of Vehicle Maintenance at Pitt Ohio. “This milestone demonstrates our leadership in the industry and our commitment to a sustainable future."
[Related: Schneider's battery-electric truck fleet hits 6M miles]
Patrick Linden, Sustainability Specialist at the company, noted that few carriers in the region where Pitt Ohio operates have reached the milestone. “It is a significant achievement that highlights our innovative approach to sustainability and our continuous efforts to integrate electric vehicles into our fleet,” he added. “Reaching 100,000 electric miles driven means we have avoided 112 tons of carbon dioxide emissions, which is equivalent to the annual emissions of around 28 average American households.”
As Pitt Ohio approaches this milestone, the company said it remains focused on expanding its electric vehicle fleet and furthering its contributions to a cleaner environment.
[Related: PITT OHIO taking its zero-emission efforts to the grid]
